Sen. Paul To Vote Against Trump’s Nominee For AG

The libertarian-leaning Republican senator had voiced concerns about William Barr, Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, citing his views of government surveillance and privacy concerns:

“I’m a no, he’s been the chief advocate for warrantless surveillance of U.S. citizens. I think that the Fourth Amendment should protect your phone calls and your bank information. People shouldn’t be allowed to look at it without a warrant.”

Despite Paul’s defection, the Senate is expected to confirm Barr with almost unanimous support from Republican senators. Moderate Republican senators such as Mitt Romney (UT) and Susan Collins (ME) said they would support Barr.

Democratic Sen. Doug Jones (AL) also said he would support Barr. And Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.VA.) said he has a favorable view of Barr.

Republicans currently hold 53-47 seat majority in the Senate, so even with Paul’s defection, Democrats would need at least four Republican defections to defeat Barr’s confirmation.